Bollywood has been entertaining audiences for over a century with its unique blend of drama, music, dance, and action. Over the years, there have been several trend-setter movies in Bollywood that have pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and set new benchmarks for the industry. These movies have not only broken box office records but have also inspired a generation of filmmakers to experiment with new styles and techniques. Here are the Top 10 movies that have had a significant impact on the industry and have influenced the way movies are made.
- Sholay (1975) – Sholay is a classic Bollywood movie that is often regarded as one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history. The film set a new standard for the action genre and introduced the concept of a “dacoit” (bandit) to Bollywood. The character of Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, became an iconic figure and remains a popular cultural reference today.
2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is considered a milestone in Bollywood history for its portrayal of a new kind of romance. The film introduced a new type of hero who was unafraid to express his feelings and showed a new approach to relationships between young people. DDLJ set the template for a new era of romantic movies in Bollywood.
3. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) – Maine Pyar Kiya is another classic Bollywood film that started a new trend in the romance genre. The film introduced a new kind of hero who was a simple, middle-class boy with traditional values. It also popularized the concept of the “friend zone” and showed the power of friendship in a romantic relationship.
4. Ghajini (2008) – Ghajini is a Bollywood thriller that started a new trend in the industry. The film popularized the use of short-term memory loss as a plot device and introduced a new type of villain who was physically imposing and had a psychological disorder. The film also used advanced special effects and action sequences that were ahead of their time.
5. Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) – Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai is a romantic thriller that launched the careers of Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel. The film set a new standard for the romance genre in Bollywood and introduced a new type of hero who was physically fit and had a distinct style. The film also featured a memorable soundtrack that remains popular today.
6. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a Bollywood family drama that sets a new standard for the genre. The film introduced the concept of the “NRI” (Non-Resident Indian) and showed the struggles of a family torn between traditional values and modernity. The film also featured an ensemble cast of top Bollywood stars and a memorable soundtrack.
7. Dil Chahta Hai (2001) – Dil Chahta Hai is a Bollywood coming-of-age film that started a new trend in the industry. The film introduced a new type of storytelling that was more realistic and focused on the lives of young people in urban India. The film also popularized the use of contemporary music and fashion in Bollywood.
8. Lagaan (2001) – Lagaan is a Bollywood period drama that started a new trend in the industry. The film introduced a new type of hero who was not a typical Bollywood superstar but a common man who rallied his village to fight against British oppression. The film also featured a unique blend of sports and drama that was unlike anything seen before in Bollywood.
9. Taare Zameen Par (2007) – Taare Zameen Par is a Bollywood drama that started a new trend in the industry. The film introduced a new type of hero who was not physically strong or conventionally attractive but had a unique talent and a strong will. The film also highlighted the issue of dyslexia and the importance of education in a child’s life.
10. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) – This film tackled the sensitive issue of cross-border relations and introduced the concept of a social drama with a strong message in Bollywood. Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s success at the box office and critical acclaim established the trend of socially relevant films with strong messages becoming mainstream in Bollywood, encouraging filmmakers to address issues affecting society and spread awareness through their films.
